Robert Paul Smith

Greetings from the McConnell/Vala and Dickey families to all the Honored Guests assembled here today to celebrate the wedding of their children Ariel Elyse McConnell and Curtis Scott Dickey. A contract of marriage is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Curtis and Ariel, remember always that LOVE, loyalty, truth, shared understandings, open communications and respect are the foundations of a happy and enduring married life.

So we begin today's ceremony with the giving and receiving of three gifts. The FIRST gift comes from our loving and creator God who freely gives His blessing and approval as His gift, to this couple for a happy and joyous life together.

The SECOND gift comes from the parents of this couple. Gerrie and Tim Dickey raised their son Curtis, to be a wonderful, loving and caring man, whom they now give to their new daughter-in-law, Ariel. Doug McConnell and Marilyn Vala have also raised their beautiful, talented and loving daughter for just this moment. So, Doug, who gives this lovely bride to Curtis? (Response from Doug). This is the SECOND gift

Much thought and soul-searching went into the creation of today's guest list. You honored guests are here today to not only witness the beginning of this new family unit, but to actively participate, and to gift them your blessings, to gift your promise of support, to gift your promise of encouragement and to gift your promise to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during the years ahead...this is the THIRD gift, YOUR GIFT. If you will promise this THIRD gift to them now, please respond by saying "I DO"! THANK YOU!

Ariel and Curtis will now share their vows to each other. Please hold each others hands and face each other.

(Ariel first followed by Curtis)

Do you Ariel McConnell take Curtis Dickey to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love him, and respect him, in times of good health or poor, in happy times or times of struggle, in prosperous times or stress, and will you delightfully share your deep thoughts, your best wishes and cherished dreams with him for as long as you both shall live?

*(I will)*

And do you Curtis Dickey take Ariel McConnell to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and adore her, to cherish her in times of good health or poor, in joyful times or times of worry, whether you are blessed with wealth or not, and will you thoughtfully share your ideas, your future plans, your hopes and dreams with her for as long as you both shall live?

*(I will)*

Curtis and Ariel will now exchange rings as a visible symbol of their mutual love and commitment to each other. The round unending shape of the wedding ring brings to mind the unending love relationship you are now entering into. And the wearing of your ring, displays to all others that your faithfulness and fidelity belongs to your loving spouse and to none other.

Curtis will you repeat after me... With this ring...I pledge myself to you above all others...and promise that I will do everything in my power....to love and honor our marriage. (Repeat with Ariel)

Before I pronounce you husband and wife, there is one more thing for you to consider. Your wedding day is one that seems to fly by. It's a day filled with love and emotion, sharing with friends, toasts of blessings, cutting the cake, joy and dancing. Many people who are here today celebrating with you, now remember how fleeting their own wedding day was. So take a few seconds now to look into each other's eyes and think about the happiness and joy you're feeling in this place, in this moment. Let those feelings register deep into your heart and mind...hold onto these sweet memories. Now, think about what your life will be in twenty years. Where will you be? What will you be doing? Today, each of you has a future vision of the answers to those questions. They may not be identical, but try to make them compatable. A wise person once said, A dream you dream alone...is only a dream, but a dream you dream together, that is your reality. Your new reality starts now! Will everyone please rise.

Ariel and Curtis, you have made loving vows to each other, you have made promises and commitments of fidelity to each other and you have given and received rings that seal those pledges of your love. Therefore, by the authority vested in me by God and the State of Michigan, I am honored and proud to announce that you are wife and husband, together! CONGRATULATIONS!!! Now seal your new life with a loving KISS!!!